England midfielder Fran Kirby has retired from international football with immediate effect.
Kirby, now of Brighton & Hove Albion, has made her decision, she says, after being told by England manager Sarina Wiegman she would not be included in the squad for the European Championship, which begins next month.
Wiegman will confirm her group for the tournament in Switzerland on Thursday.
Kirby was selected by Wiegman for the Nations League matches with Portugal and Spain and made what will now be her final national team appearance as a second-half substitute on Friday. She wasn’t part of the squad for Tuesday evening’s defeat to the world champions.
Announcing her retirement on social media after the game, Kirby wrote: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am that it happened.
“It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl. I’ve played with incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments, and have some irreplaceable memories.”
Thank you @Lionesses ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lRP82cnsgk
— Fran Kirby (@frankirby) June 3, 2025
Kirby leaves the…
